Does the risk of COVID-19 persist while you are outdoors?

SAM experts point out that when a lot of snow falls outside, people who spend time should not forget about safe behavior in public places: prohibiting meetings, maintaining a safe distance of at least 2 m from other people, wearing face and mouth masks and other protective equipment.

During the cold period of the year, the active movement outwards also changes our breathing: we breathe much more frequently and deeply, so the virus with exhaled droplets can spread to a greater distance. In public places where there is more movement, it is advisable to keep a distance of at least 2 meters from other people.

During the winter season, masks get wet much faster when you are outdoors than when you are indoors. A wet mask should be replaced immediately with a new one, as its protective effectiveness is reduced.

Careful attention should also be paid to the proper use of a protective mask. It is recommended to choose a medical mask that creates a barrier that limits the transmission of the infectious agent between the user and the person close to them. Cloth masks are less effective, their level of protection depends on the number of layers and the material from which they are made.

Non-medical masks are recommended to meet the following criteria:

• the mask must form a physical barrier for air droplets to enter the respiratory tract through the nose and mouth;
• the mask should be made of three layers of material, dense fabric or two layers with an inside pocket for the third layer;
• the mask must be solid (no holes, opaque, etc.);
• the mask must be of a suitable size to cover the nose and mouth and fit the face;
• the inner layer of the mask should be made of a material that absorbs moisture well, the outer layer of a material from which moisture evaporates extremely quickly, and the third layer of the mask, which is applied as a filter, can be made of a dense polypropylene material.

At that time, the effectiveness of face shields, which are popular in society, is significantly less than that of any face mask because it does not completely cover the nose and mouth. Face shields are most helpful in preventing the virus from affecting the mucous membranes of the eyes.

SAM reminds that no more than 2 people or groups of members of a family or a household are allowed in public places. Children over 6 years of age should wear nasal and oral protective equipment that fits comfortably and completely covers the nose and mouth.

It is not allowed to wear masks only outside the residential area: cities, towns, villages, gardeners associations and when there are no other people within a radius of 20 meters, except family members or people in a household. It is also allowed that people with disabilities cannot use masks that, due to their health condition, cannot use the masks or that their use could harm the health of the person. These people are recommended to wear a face shield.